Using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, Mealthy CrispLid or Ninja Foodi, cook the most succulent, juicy, and intensely flavorful whole turkey with flawlessly crisp skin in less than two hours.
Weve used just about every method there is to cook turkey. Weve fried, spatchcocked, dry-brined and wet-brined our turkey. While they were good, they werent irresistible. Wed actually decided to pass on the turkey this Thanksgiving in favor of pot roast and ham. However, a few weeks before Thanksgiving, we received an Instant Pot Duo Crisp, and I couldn’t help but try making turkey in it. After one bite, my wife stated: “This is the best turkey Ive ever had. We need to add turkey back to the Thanksgiving menu. ” If youre looking for tender, moist and incredibly flavorful turkey, youve come to the right place.
Forget the oven and the hassle of basting! This Instant Pot Whole Turkey recipe delivers a moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked turkey in under 2 hours. With a crispy skin achieved through the magic of the Instant Pot’s air fryer lid, this recipe is a game-changer for your Thanksgiving table
Why This Recipe Works:
- No Brining Needed: The steam pressure and aromatics in the Instant Pot create a naturally juicy and flavorful turkey, eliminating the need for brining.
- Crispy Skin Perfection: The air fryer lid allows you to achieve a beautifully crispy skin without transferring the turkey to the oven.
- Time-Saving: This recipe cooks the turkey in under 2 hours, freeing up your time for other Thanksgiving preparations.
Ingredients:
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 garlic bulb, sliced in half horizontally
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 6 thyme sprigs
- ½ tsp. liquid smoke
- 9 lb. young turkey
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Pot: Place the sliced onion, garlic, lemon, thyme, and liquid smoke in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Add the trivet on top.
- Season the Turkey: Generously season the turkey with salt and pepper, inside and out.
- Cook the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey, breast side up, on the trivet in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 40 minutes.
- Crispy Skin Time: Switch to the air fryer lid and broil for 10 minutes, or until the skin reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Expert Tips:
- Skip the Brine: Trust the Instant Pot’s magic to deliver a juicy turkey without the extra step of brining.
- Aromatic Flexibility: Experiment with different combinations of your favorite aromatics to customize the flavor profile.
- Carving Made Easy: Carve the turkey directly in the pot for easier handling and stunning presentation.
- Flavorful Broth Bonus: Don’t discard the flavorful broth at the bottom of the pot! Use it to create a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving soup.
FAQs:
- Turkey Size: Aim for a turkey no larger than 9 lbs. (10 lbs. max). For larger turkeys, consider cutting off the wing tips and drums or reserving them for making stock.
- Instant Pot Size: This recipe is designed for an 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp. For a 6-quart Instant Pot, check out our Instant Pot turkey breast recipe.
- Regular Pressure Cooker: Yes, you can use a regular 8-quart pressure cooker. After pressure cooking, carefully transfer the turkey to the oven and broil until crisp.
- Frozen Turkey: No, this recipe is not suitable for frozen turkeys. Defrosting is necessary to remove the giblets before cooking.
More Thanksgiving Inspiration:
- Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
- Collard Greens
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Make this Instant Pot Whole Turkey the star of your Thanksgiving feast and enjoy a stress-free, delicious, and memorable holiday meal!
Why This Recipe Works
- You can cook turkey in the Instant Pot without brining it. Without the need for brining, the steam pressure created during cooking and the aromatics in the pot produce a juicy, flavorful, and tender turkey.
- You can broil your turkey directly in the pot with the Duo Crisps air fryer lid. If you own a regular Instant Pot, you can air fry food without dirtying a pan or the delicate process of removing a tender turkey from the pot to transfer to the oven by purchasing the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid or Mealthy CrispLid. The Ninja Foodi, which is comparable to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, is an additional choice.
- The turkey takes less than two hours to prepare from start to finish!
How to Make an Instant Pot Whole Turkey
